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Since 2005, YAP has offered school-based services in response to the increased needs of children in school setting. Changes in the kinds of needs children bring to school have placed additional burdens on teachers and other school staff – burdens they may be unable to bear alone. The stresses of poverty, hunger, family violence and the powerful influences of gangs or drugs in the community exact a terrible toll on children. YAP offers a wide range of School-Based Programming to meet all types of needs.

YAP brings the experience, capability and willingness to work with students at the highest risk of school failure and those with the most complex needs. Court-involved juveniles, special-needs youth, and students residing in low-income housing are included in the population served. These students may be:

At high risk of expulsion or suspension

Failing in school due to problems at home

Presenting behavioral problems

Returning from Juvenile Detention

Truant

Experiencing school phobia/bullying issues

Involved in substance abuse

Emotionally or developmentally challenged

YAP offers both in school and after school, in home services that promote school engagement, academic success, positive behavior and safety.

Truancy Program

YAP’s Truancy Program is dedicated to working with at-risk youth of all ages struggling with truancy issues. The program incorporates “Check and Connect,” an evidence-based intervention model, to increase student engagement at school and with learning, with YAP’s wraparound/advocacy approach. Across a designated span of school days, referred youth work with YAP staff dedicated to improving key areas of functioning relative to truancy: Morning Accountability; Parental Engagement; Academic Support; Community Engagement. Fact Sheet

Alternatives to Out-of-School Suspension

YAP provides school districts with intensive advocacy services for youth at risk of being suspended. YAP has worked with school districts seeking alternatives to out-of-school suspensions. To meet the needs of both administrators and high-risk students, YAP has developed an innovative In-School Suspension Program that has achieved a high degree of success. The program is designed to allow students over a one- to two-week period of in-school suspension to:

participate in personal growth activities designed to deter students from continued involvement in negative behaviors leading to suspension or expulsion; and

to reflect on problem behaviors and attitudes which resulted in their suspension.

The model includes structured daily activities encompassing academic support, tutorial assistance, personal development group activities, life skills training, and self-improvement.

Alternatives to out-of-school/out-of-district placement

YAP provides school districts with intensive advocacy services for youth at risk of being subjected to disciplinary transfer out of their school or district. YAP further supports the return of students from out-of-school/out-of-district placements.

Alternative School Programming

YAP provides school districts with intensive advocacy services for youth at risk of being expelled from school, including assistance finding an appropriate alternative school and aiding the transition.

Compensatory Education Programming

YAP provides academic tutoring and/or education related skills specified in Individual Education Plans (IEPs), such as communication and social and self-help skills through public (compensatory education hours) and private funding.